Alexander Zverev settles domestic abuse case brought by former girlfriend
Alexander Zverev had rejected the accusation made by his former girlfriend that she was a victim of bodily harm during an argument in 2020; the agreement, according to German media, includes a monetary condition of 200,000 euros, with the player not found guilty of any wrongdoing
Saturday 8 June 2024 12:01, UK
The court case against Alexander Zverev for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend has been terminated after a settlement was reached.
The German, due to take on Casper Ruud in the French Open semi-finals later on Friday, was contesting a penalty order and fine of 450,000 euros issued last October.
The case began in Berlin last week without Zverev present and had been due to resume on Friday before continuing across various dates until the middle of July.
The 27-year-old, ranked fourth in the world, has always maintained his innocence and the settlement does not include an admission of guilt.
A court spokesperson told the PA news agency: "I can confirm that the court has terminated the proceedings with the consent of the public prosecution office.
"The defendant must pay an amount of 200,000 euros. Of this, 150,000 euros go to the state treasury, the rest goes to non-profit organisations.
"The decision is not a verdict and it does not involve a decision about guilt or innocence.
"One decisive factor for the court decision was that the witness has expressed her wish to end the trial. The defendant agreed to the termination of the case."
Zverev has always rejected the accusation made by his former girlfriend that she was a victim of bodily harm during an argument in 2020.
The pair had a daughter in 2021, though by that time they were no longer together.
In January 2023, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) closed a 15-month investigation that was launched after another ex-girlfriend, tennis player Olga Sharypova, accused Zverev of domestic abuse.
The ATP cited insufficient evidence as its reason for dropping the case.
Speaking about the case ahead of the French Open, Zverev said: "I do believe in the German system. I do believe in the truth, as well. I have to be certain that I do know what I did, I do know what I didn't do.
"I do believe that I'm not going to lose this procedure. There's absolutely no chance I am."
Zverev, who made it fourth time lucky as he beat Casper Ruud in four sets to reach the French Open final, spoke about the case during his press-conference. He said: "I told you so from the start. I told everybody. I'm happy that it's over.
"Nothing else more to say. That's it. Four years. I'm happy about that.
"Done. We move on. I never ever want to hear another question about the subject again. That goes out to everybody."
